Final answer:
Victor Frankenstein's tone in Mary Shelley's novel supports the theme of scientific discovery with its shift from excitement to horror, reflecting the consequences of ambition without moral restraint. His isolated work environment and biased education culminate in tragic outcomes, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in scientific pursuits.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the tone that Victor Frankenstein adopts when discussing his scientific discoveries and ambitions greatly influences the novel's theme. Shelley portrays Frankenstein's tone as one of the exhilaration and single-minded obsession during the pursuit of his scientific endeavors, which transitions to horror and regret after the creation comes to life. As a result, the novel examines the potential consequences and moral responsibilities of unchecked scientific ambition. For instance, while Frankenstein's fascination with the sciences begins through an exposure to alchemy and the works of outdated scientists, it is his isolation and lack of a broader educational context that leads to his single-minded obsession. There is a clear shift from excitement and anticipation to disgust and fear upon his success, illuminating the theme that the pursuit of knowledge and scientific discovery, without ethical considerations, can lead to tragedy.
The environment of Victor's work, being described as "a solitary chamber, or rather a cell", encapsulates his isolation and separation from the natural world, reinforcing his detachment from reality and natural order. This setting reflects on the unnatural nature of his ambitions, supporting the theme that endeavors done in isolation without societal checks can become destructive. Moreover, the tonal shift in Frankenstein's narrative, from ambitious to introspective and eventually regretful, signals the realization of the consequences of his actions. Shelley prompts the readers to consider the implication of a scientist's work within the larger societal and natural context.